NEW DELHI, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Singaporean authorities have ordered the recall of an Indian-made fish curry spice blend over its higher level of a pesticide.
The step was taken following a notification by the Hong Kong Center for Food Safety on the presence of ethylene oxide at levels that surpass permissible limits in the involved product Everest Fish Curry Masala.
"The Center for Food Safety in Hong Kong has issued a notification on the recall of Everest Fish Curry Masala from India due to the presence of ethylene oxide at levels exceeding permissible limit," the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a media release on Thursday, adding it has directed the related importer to recall the products.
"Ethylene oxide is a pesticide that is not authorized for use in food. It can be used to fumigate agricultural products to prevent microbial contamination. Under Singapore's Food Regulations, ethylene oxide is allowed to be used in the sterilization of spices," the SFA said.
Meanwhile, the SFA has advised consumers who have purchased the implicated product not to consume it, noting long-term exposure to ethylene oxide may lead to health issues.
The Indian spice manufacturer involved has so far not issued any statement on the issue. ■
